Welcome to the January City Manager's Report. I am sharing with you highlights of events and projects that staff has worked on this month. I sincerely appreciate everyone's continued hard work to benefit the Brea community.
Brea Senior Christmas Celebration
The Brea Senior Center Christmas Celebration was held at the Brea Improv in early December. This celebration broke records by having 450 local seniors in attendance. Guests enjoyed coffee and pastries as their appetizers while socializing with all their friends. Reunion Kitchen + Drink restaurant served every guest and volunteer a three-course holiday meal. Entertainment was provided by “Those Guys Band” and the guests enjoyed music and danced the morning away. We would like to thank Dwight Manley, who provided all seniors a special gift. He also sponsored a raffle where 100 seniors were awarded gift cards. There were additional donations from the Brea Firefighters Association, Brea Police Association, Police Management Association, and Brea Korea Sister City Association which contributed to the Christmas magic.
This event would not be possible without support from the wonderful staff at Brea Improv and Reunion Kitchen + Drink, along with Brea Community Services staff, City Executives, City Council Members, and Commissioners. We look forward to making this event special to our senior community every year.
Angel Tree and Adopt-a-Senior Program
In December, 64 Brea senior residents received gifts that brought joy and comfort to them during the holiday season. The community came together and provided generous donations on behalf of the Brea Senior Center’s Angel Tree and Adopt-a-Senior programs. Seniors selected for these programs are enrolled in case management services. Many of which receive home-delivered meals, are homebound, live on a low or fixed income, and have experienced hardship throughout the year. Gift items were donated based on individual’s personalized wish lists and were delivered by Community Services staff. Gifts for Angel Tree ranged from clothing, cookware, home goods, and $2,800 in gift cards to help meet the gift recipient’s every day needs. Local businesses, Moxa and Proponent, took the opportunity to take part in Adopt-a- Senior, assisting with additional gifts and special requests from those who needed a little extra uplift during the holiday season. In addition, two non-profit agencies, the Fullerton Assistance League and Meals on Wheels Orange County, provided special holiday gift bags adding more warmth and charm. I want to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make the holidays brighter for our senior community. Their generosity was a beautiful reminder to our seniors in need that they are cared for, remembered, and valued by the community.
Wish Tree Program
The Resource Center successfully wrapped up another impactful holiday program season, made possible through the generosity of our community. “Wish” trees were placed at the Community Center, Civic Center, and the Resource Center, inviting residents and visitors to support neighbors in need. Through this collective effort, numerous gift cards were donated to assist Brea individuals and families facing unexpected crises.Families experiencing challenging times often struggle to meet basic needs during periods of hardship. These gift cards allow the Resource Center to provide immediate, practical assistance throughout the year by helping with essentials such as groceries, clothing, and other necessities. The Resource Center extends sincere gratitude to everyone who participated and helped bring hope, relief, and compassion to families in our community when they need it most.
Sister City Visit from Anseong, Korea
Earlier this month, we were excited to welcome students from Anseong, Korea, one of our City’s three Sister Cities. The visiting delegation included 30 Junior High age students and three adult chaperones. The students were able to experience life in Brea by spending time with their host families and with students at both Brea Olinda High School and Brea Junior High. Our visitors were able to tour the city in the Brea Trolley, and visited the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, Brea Police Department, Brea Fire Department, and the Brea Mall. Both the students and chaperones received special commendations at the January 20 City Council meeting. Connecting with our Sister Cities on these visits deepens the relationships that have developed over the years. We look forward to continuing the cultivation of unity with Anseong, Korea.
Spring Craft Boutique
Save the date for the upcoming annual Spring Craft Boutique on March 20 and 21. The Spring Craft Boutique will feature 250 vendors selling seasonal and year-round gifts, décor, art, jewelry, and more at the Brea Community Center. There will also be specialty coffee and dining options available. Admission to the boutique is $3 and free parking is available at the Brea Community Center with additional off-site parking at Crosspointe Church. The Brea Trolley will provide transportation to the Brea Community Center and back. I encourage you to visit the Spring Craft Boutique and support our local vendors.
Business Spotlight
We are always excited when a new business opens in Brea. Below are a couple new businesses that have opened or will be opening soon. The Melt is coming soon to the Brea Mall. The Melt is a fast-casual restaurant serving comfort food made with premium ingredients, like 100% all-natural Angus and Wagyu beef. Alongside their flavorful burgers, their menu features grilled cheeses, chicken melts, mac ‘n’ cheese, and other American classics. For the full Melt experience, guests can indulge in a hand-spun milkshake too.
85 ̊C Bakery is now open at Brea Union Plaza. Founded in 2003, the bakery offers more than 50 varieties of freshly baked pastries. 85 ̊C Bakery Café’s decadent cakes are uniquely crafted by award-winning master chefs. To balance their flavor palate, guests can enjoy handcrafted beverages made with coffee beans sourced from Guatemala.
Adopt-A-Family
This past holiday season, the Resource Center was honored to partner with Crossways Church and several generous residents to sponsor a total of six families through the Resource Center’s Adopt-A-Family program. Through their kindness and commitment, ten children received new clothing and thoughtfully chosen gifts, which helped make the holidays brighter for each family. The support goes beyond gifts, bringing comfort, dignity, and a sense of hope to families facing difficult circumstances. The Resource Center extends its heartfelt gratitude to these adopters for their generosity and continued dedication to supporting the Resource Center’s mission, the families and individuals it serves throughout the year.